Sakuraoka Retreat lodge Norheim

"Sakuraoka Retreat lodge Norheim" is a private lodge where a single group can rent an entire three-hectare forest all to themselves. Situated at the edge of the forest extending from the Daisetsuzan Mountains, it offers the charm of being wrapped in rich nature while remaining highly accessible—just a 15-minute drive from Asahikawa Airport and the city center. The lodge features a high-airtight, high-insulation design built to Hokkaido’s winter standards. With large windows framing the ever-changing face of the forest, the gentle flicker of a wood-burning stove, and an interior filled with the scent of natural wood, your stay here feels exactly like "living in the forest." The concept of Norheim is "remembering the joy of hands-on moments." Arranging logs for the bonfire, gently placing a needle on a vinyl record, and grinding beans to brew a fresh cup of coffee. Within these physical, analog acts and the slow passage of time lies a heartwarming, quiet richness. Check-in takes place at the nearby "Café Good Life," within walking distance. In our natural garden surrounded by an organic vegetable patch and berry fields, please enjoy seasonal Japanese wagashi and fragrant coffee. The very beginning of your stay is already a part of your retreat. We purposely leave "blank spaces" within the lodge. Decorating the table with wildflowers you gathered in the forest, or picking fresh herbs to brew your own tea—we cherish creating a space that is completed by our guests' own personal touches. Ezo red squirrels, wild birds, and wildflowers unique to Hokkaido thrive in the forest of Norheim. With a mindful approach to "growing the forest" through thinning trees and clearing underbrush, we continue to nurture this rich woodland together with our guests. At Norheim, "enjoying fire" is a part of daily life. A bonfire on the wooden deck, the flames of the wood stove, or a barbecue over wood coals. We provide two complimentary boxes of oak firewood per day, allowing you to savor the gentle, slow burn of the oak to your heart's content. In winter, you can wander through the forest at -20°C or experience our authentic, wood-fired tent sauna (optional). The crisp outdoor air and deep snow become your "natural cold plunge," leaving you wrapped in the undisturbed silence of the forest. The bedroom is furnished with SEALY mattresses and cozy Norwegian "Røros Tweed" blankets. Together with the gentle warmth of the woodfire, we promise you a peaceful and restorative sleep. Norheim is like a secret hideaway you want to keep all to yourself. Rather than a typical tourist destination, it offers a glimpse into a true Hokkaido lifestyle in harmony with the forest. We invite you to spend a liberating retreat where your mind can truly let go.